New infographics support informed pain relief choices in childbirth

Pregnant women and people will benefit from accessible, evidence-based information on the risks and side effects of epidurals and spinal anaesthesia.

Find out more

Welcome to the Royal College of Anaesthetists

Anaesthesia is the largest single hospital specialty in the NHS. We are the professional body responsible for the specialty throughout the UK.

We're here to support your needs. Find out more about:

Find out more about what we do

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Training and careers
We're responsible for setting recruitment, training and assessment standards. This is how we're able to attract and then support the best doctors from medical schools.
Final FRCA Examinations

Examinations
The Fellowship of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FRCA) examination tests the knowledge, skills, behaviours and attitudes required by anaesthetists in training.
Simulation training in anaesthesia

Research
The College supports the funding, development and delivery of high quality healthcare research.

Ways you can support our work

Membership

Membership
With over 26,000 fellows and members, we represent the three specialties of anaesthesia, intensive care and pain medicine.
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Resources
We keep our fellows and members up-to-date with the latest news from the College and specialty via the Bulletin and regular newsletters as well as providing free access to key academic journals.
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Get involved
We thrive because of our strong and active membership. As we're keen to involve you in our work to help shape future strategy, we've created numerous volunteering roles for fellows and members within the College.

Latest news

National Patient Safety Alert for epidural supply issue
A national patient safety alert has been issued to all healthcare providers regarding supply issues affecting commercially prepared local anaesthetic infusions. The NHS requires all Trusts to assemble a working group, with advice on how to manage provisions during this shortage.

Final Scope of Practice published for PAAs 
The College has published the 2025 Scope of Practice for Physician Assistants in Anaesthesia (PAAs). 

Christmas and New Year closure
The College will close for Christmas and New Year on Tuesday 24 December at 5.00pm. A full service to Fellows and Members will commence from 9.00 am on Thursday 2 January 2025.

Upcoming events

Anaesthetic Updates
Our three-day hybrid conference will help you stay informed when it comes to the key issues surrounding best anaesthetic practice.

Anaesthesia 2026
Our Anaesthesia 2026 flagship conference will take place in Brighton and online in May 2026 for three days.

Membership provides a variety of benefits to both you as an individual member, but also to the specialty of anaesthesia.

Become a member